by Dan Harnos, Feb. 2010
Opening on October 17, 2009, The Mirenda Center for Sport Spirituality and Character Development® became the newest addition to the campus of Neumann University. The board of trusties gave this name to the building in honor of Dr. Mirenda for her great work as President of Neumann University. Much thought went into the design of this building to ensure that all students have a place to work and work out.
The main theme of The Mirenda Center is the connection between sport and spirituality. The Mirenda Center is home to The Institute for Sport Spirituality and Character Development, where Dr. Ed Hastings, Stephanie Taylor and others work to instill these values into the Neumann athletic teams. To show the connection between sport and spirituality, The Institute designed five pillars, which are displayed in the atrium of the building. Each pillar has a designated theme; play, beauty, balance, reflection, and respect. The Institute felt that these five themes best represent the connection between sport and spirituality. Also on the pillars are stories. These stories are ones that are representative of the theme of the pillar. Each story was carefully picked to again show that connection of sport and spirituality.
The next biggest feature of The Mirenda Center is the main basketball court. This 1,400 seat arena is home to men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams. Attached to the court is a stage that can hold events such as graduations or speakers. The Mirenda Center also holds an auxiliary gym named community hall. This gym is a multi-purpose facility that can be used for basketball, tennis, volleyball. The gym is also equipped with a drop down batting cage for the baseball and softball teams.
Also in The Mirenda Center are the weight and cardio rooms. Each of these is filled with state of the art equipment, so athletes as well as non-athletes can enjoy a full body workout. There is also a dance studio and a multi-purpose room. On the lower level of The Center, are the locker rooms. There are three sets of them, one for varsity athletes, one for the general population of students, and one for coaches and referees. Also on this level are the athletic training room and the new laundry facility. There are also two student lounges for people to come do homework or relax. These lounges are fully equipped with couches, tables and televisions. Inside The Mirenda Center is the new home to the Neumann athletic department. There is a desk for each coach as well as offices for the athletic director and the assistant athletic directors.
To complement The Mirenda Center, Neumann installed a turf field. This field is home to men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s lacrosse, field hockey as well as some intramural activities. Also recently built are the Bruder Tennis Courts, home to Neumann’s men’s and women’s tennis teams.
The Mirenda Center for Sport Spirituality and Character Development® is home to everything athletic at Neumann University. Sarah Brazil, the Sport Management and Event Specialist for the Institute for Sport Spirituality and Character Development, states “One can sense our Franciscan Catholic Mission and our love for sports simply by walking through the doors of the Mirenda Center for Sport Spirituality and Character Development.” With its basketball courts, fitness rooms and athletic department, this facility is the corner stone of Neumann University and will remain that way for years to come.
